Tuesday, March 31, 2015, 3:54 p.m.

Stephens Media moving Fort Smith, Van Buren printing operations

Stephens Media will shift printing and mailroom operations from Van Buren and Fort Smith to Northwest Arkansas, a move that will reportedly affect about three-dozen employees.

The Stephens-owned Times Record in Fort Smith reported online Wednesday that printing and mailroom operations would be shifted by September to Northwest Arkansas Newspapers production operations in Springdale and Lowell.

The newspaper reported the changes would affect about 37 employees, though severance and job assistance would be provided and some may be offered other positions. It added that the change would "increase the color capacity of the newspapers and improve packaging and mailroom efficiency."

A message left with Stephens Media CEO and President Ed Moss wasn't immediately returned Wednesday morning.

Northwest Arkansas Newspapers is a joint venture created in 2009 by Stephens Media and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.